It’s hard to imagine a worse stretch of luck than what Purdue’s offense endured last season. And even if someone is capable of concocting one, Boilermakers coach Danny Hope doesn’t want to hear it.

Purdue started three different QBs last year and saw injuries sideline two of its top three rushers for multiple games. When you’re trying to rebuild a program, it’s tough enough to overcome depth issues and gain traction in a competitive conference, but when the fates seem to conspire against you, that’s an entirely different situation.

Rob Henry led Purdue in rushing and passing last year. (AP Photo)

Hope has reason for optimism this season despite losing some top performers, simply because he expects to have all of his options available to him.

But if Purdue is to have any real success this year, its quarterback situation must stay consistent and reliable. The good news is that sophomore Rob Henry, who led the team in rushing (547 yards, 4 TDs) and passing (996, 8) last year, is healthy and looked good during the spring.

Henry received some serious competition in spring from 6-5 junior Caleb TerBush, who missed last year due to academic problems. Don’t be surprised if TerBush sees some time, even as early as the Sept. 3 opener against Middle Tennessee.

The variable in the QB situation is Robert Marve, who tore his ACL in the fourth game of the season. Marve was not cleared for contact during the spring, and it will be interesting to see if he can overcome TerBush and Henry to be the starter once again.

Running back Ralph Bolden (ACL) was not available during the spring but hopes to recapture the form that helped him gain 935 yards in ’09 and earn second-team all-conference honors. His healthy return, combined with Henry’s strong legs, will fortify Purdue’s ground game.

The rest of the skill position group is a little shaky, although Purdue is hoping Justin Siller, who played sparingly and battled injuries after switching from QB to wideout last year can make a difference. Antavian Edison (32 catches) is a solid possession target, as is Gary Bush.

The loss of dynamic end Ryan Kerrigan (12.5 sacks) will hurt the Boilermakers’ front seven on defense, but plenty of other solid contributors return. Kawann Short (6 sacks) showed impressive pass-rush skills, as did end Gerald Gooden.

Middle linebacker Dwayne Beckford (84 tackles) leads a group that also includes Joe Holland on the weak side. The secondary has all four starters back, including strong safety Logan Link, who led the team with 91 tackles last year, and corner Ricardo Allen, who picked off three passes.